John Brown Birthplace Site
John Brown’s Birthplace and Legacy in Connecticut
John Brown, one of America’s most famous abolitionists, was born in 1800 in Torrington, Connecticut. In 1859, he led an armed raid on the U.S. arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia, in an attempt to end slavery—a bold act that foreshadowed the Civil War just two years later.
Though Brown’s birthplace was destroyed by fire in 1918, the site is now preserved by the Torrington Historical Society. His legacy remains deeply connected to the town, with an image of his house featured on the City of Torrington’s seal. Additionally, the pikes used by Brown and his men during the Harpers Ferry raid were crafted by the Collins Company in nearby Canton. One of these historic weapons is now on display at the Canton Historical Museum.
This site is open to the public.
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Opening hours
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Monday7:00 am - 5:00 pm
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Tuesday7:00 am - 5:00 pm
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Wednesday7:00 am - 5:00 pm
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Thursday7:00 am - 5:00 pm
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Friday7:00 am - 5:00 pm
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Saturday7:00 am - 5:00 pm
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Sunday7:00 am - 5:00 pm
